India, April 25 -- The central government has formally advised OTT platform ZEE5 to withhold the release of its upcoming docuseries 'Lawrence of Punjab', following concerns that the content glorifies gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and could impact public order, officials aware of the matter said.

During a hearing in the Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday, additional solicitor general Satya Pal Jain presented a letter from the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) addressed to ZEE5.

The Centre's advisory stated that digital platforms must exercise "due caution and discretion" while producing biopics or documentaries on criminals, especially those that may incite violence. It cited inputs from Punjab Police warning that the serie...